Lightning strike near Pueblo, Colorado. Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

While reading through updates to the NOAA’s page yesterday, I came across this new release. It serves as an unfortunate reminder that senseless, preventable deaths occur when people don’t take the weather seriously. Last month in particular, fatalities attributable to lighting have significantly topped the ongoing statistical trend:

Lightning has killed at least 27 people this year, with more than half of those fatalities (14) occurring since July 15. In addition, there were three fatalities during the last half of July where lightning is the suspected cause of death. This is more than double the number of fatalities seen in recent years for the last half of July.

“In the past two weeks, we’ve seen an alarming increase in the number of lightning deaths in this country,” said John Jensenius, a lightning safety expert with the NOAA National Weather Service. “People are ignoring the common warning signs of thunderstorms or failing to get to a safe place when thunderstorms threaten.”

“Unfortunately, the same fatal mistakes that have been made for centuries are being repeated today,” added Jensenius. “With lightning, there is no safe place outside when a thunderstorm is nearby. If you can hear thunder, you’re likely within striking distance of the storm and need to get to a safe place immediately. Anytime you’re outside in the summer, you should watch the sky for signs of developing thunderstorms, especially if background noise interferes with your ability to hear thunder.”

In the past 30 years, lightning has killed about 2,000 people across the U.S. with an average of 66 people each year. In addition, hundreds of people are injured each year by lightning. Some lightning survivors are left with debilitating health effects.

When thunderstorms threaten, NOAA recommends that people seek safety in a substantial building. If outdoors and unable to reach a substantial building, a hard-topped metal vehicle is a good second choice. Once inside, avoid contact with any electrical equipment or plumbing, stay off corded phones, and stay away from windows and doors. Remain inside for 30 minutes after the thunderstorm has passed.

As with any number of other subjects, urban legends still abound when it comes to lightning. (The NOAA has a list of the top ten lightning myths posted here in .pdf format.) It amazes me that even reasonably intelligent people can subscribe to this stuff, but here’s a prime example — one I encountered in conversation just a couple of months ago:

Myth: Rubber tires protect you from lightning in a car by insulating you from the ground.

Fact: Most cars are reasonably safe from lightning. But it’s the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, not the rubber tires. Thus convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open shelled outdoor recreational vehicles, and cars with plastic or fiberglass shells offer no lightning protection. Likewise, farm and construction vehicles with open cockpits offer no lightning protection. But closed cockpits with metal roof and sides are safer than going outside. And don’t even ask about sneakers!

Keeping a watchful eye on the weather for changing or dangerous conditions is a prudent practice, one more people should be in the habit of doing. Staying informed has also never been easier thanks to portable weather radios (I’d feel naked without mine), extensive television and internet coverage, and the ability to receive pertinent updates and alerts via wireless devices and cell phones.

Learn the cardinal rules of lightning safety. Know the details. Stay informed. Stay safe.